From the Rav’s Desk: Shaalos & Teshuvos on the three weeks

May one go swimming during the three weeks?

It is permitted to go swimming past the 17^th of Tammuz, up until Rosh Chodesh Av, the start of the nine days.[1] There is no basis for the notion that one who did not go swimming prior to the 17^th of Tammuz, may not go after the 17^th, and it is permitted to do even in such a case.[2] Nevertheless, one is to avoid swimming in dangerous areas, such as a dangerous beach or during bad weather and the like.[3] Due to this reason, some[4] are accustomed to completely avoid going swimming, or into a river or ocean, throughout the duration of the three weeks.

[1] Teshuvos Vehanhagos 2:263; Piskeiy Teshuvos 551:46

[2] Poskim ibid

[3] Teshuvos Vehanhagos ibid; Rav Moshe Feinsetin, brought in Moadei Yeshurun 128 footnote 12; Halichos Shlomos 2:14 footnote 7; Koveitz Mibeis Levi 13:22; Rivivos Efraim 3:333; 4:135; 6:285; Shevet Hakehasi 1:169

[4] Makor Chaim 551:14 “I saw people who abstained from entering a river during the three weeks due to danger”; Orchos Rabbeinu 2:129 in directive of Steipler; Harav Asher Lemel Hakohen

Some Poskim[1] rule one may recite the blessing of Shehechiyanu over a new fruit on Shabbos [and Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av[2]]. Other Poskim[3] rule one may not recite Shehechiyanu even on Shabbos of the three weeks. [Other Poskim[4] rule one may recite Shehechiyanu on Shabbos, up until the nine days.] Practically, the Chabad custom is to be stringent not to recite Shehechiyanu throughout the three weeks.[5]

_____________________________________

[1] Arizal in Shaar Hakavanos p. 89, brought in M”A 551:42; Mateh yehuda 551; Beis David 325; Tur Barkat , brought in Birkeiy Yosef 551:10; Chaim Sheol 1:24; Kaf Hachaim 551:205

[2] Beis Yehuda 61 p. 109; Glosses of Rebbe Akiva Eiger 551; Aruch Hashulchan 551:38; Shaar Hatziyon 551; Kaf Hachaim 551:205

[3] Mateh Moshe 697, and Levush brought in M”A 551:42; Taz 551:17; Sefer Chassidim 843; Kneses Hagedola 551; Elya Raba 551:42; Chayeh Adam 133:8; Derech Hachaim;  Avnei Nezer 428; Kitzur SHU”A 122:2; M”B 551:98

[4] Aruch Hashulchan 551:38; Toras Chaim Sofer 551:35; Kinyan Torah 6:32

[5] Hayom Yom 21^st Tammuz; Sefer Haminhagim;